The 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series comes from an era when independent automakers still gave touring cars a distinct character, and tire appearance was a visible part of that presence. A substantial early-1930s car like this depends on a tall bias-ply tire that looks right on the wheel and suits the vehicle’s period stance. The primary fitment is 650-18, a numeric bias-ply size used on an 18-inch rim. Within that size, the main choice is between traditional blackwall and wide whitewall presentations in the Firestone Balloon series. For a restoration-minded owner, the decision centers on authentic-looking style, wheel compatibility, and careful pre-road inspection.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series
The 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series uses one primary tire size: 650-18. It is a bias-ply fitment for an 18-inch rim, and the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same size. That means the key decision is less about choosing between multiple fitments and more about selecting the right sidewall style and product details within the correct period-style size.
The 650-18 size uses an older numeric bias-ply format in which 6.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 18 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series, that construction suits the vehicle’s original-era tire profile, tall sidewall shape, and traditional roadgoing character. Available choices in this size include Firestone Balloon tires in both blackwall and 3.50-inch wide whitewall form. This size is the right starting point when the goal is to preserve proper visual proportion while confirming that the wheel matches the required 18-inch diameter and compatible rim width.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series sub-models. The 8 Cyl. version uses the same primary tire size, so the real choice is the style of tire within that fitment rather than a different size.
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1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series 8 Cyl.
The 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-18 bias-ply tire size as the model core. That keeps selection focused on period-style presentation, especially blackwall versus wide whitewall, while still making wheel diameter and rim-width confirmation worthwhile before installation.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series Tires for Sale
Available 650-18 options center on the Firestone Balloon series in bias-ply construction, with a choice between blackwall and 3.50-inch wide whitewall styling. The product grid is most useful for comparing appearance, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load-related details within the correct period-size fitment.
Common questions for the 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series usually come down to the 650-18 fitment, 18-inch rim compatibility, period-style tire appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series?
The 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series uses a 650-18 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment, and the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary size, so there is not a separate tire-size split within the sub-model coverage here.
That makes 650-18 the first specification to match before comparing anything else. Once the size is confirmed, the next step is choosing the style of tire that suits the car’s restoration goals and road use, then verifying that the wheel is actually an 18-inch rim with a compatible width for the selected tire.
What size rim does a 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series is built for an 18-inch rim. Product options in 650-18 are also matched to that 18-inch wheel diameter, which is the key wheel measurement tied to this tire size.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before mounting any replacement tire, especially on an early collector vehicle that may have had wheel changes over the years. Rim width matters too, so the wheel should be checked against the selected tire’s width range rather than assuming every older 18-inch wheel is the same.
Does the 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-18 bias-ply tire size as the model core. There is no separate primary size shown for that sub-model within this fitment grouping.
That consistency simplifies the buying decision because the focus stays on tire style and wheel compatibility instead of sorting through multiple fitments. Even so, it is still smart to inspect the car’s actual wheels before purchase, since older restorations and long-term ownership histories can sometimes introduce non-original wheel setups.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-18 tire for a 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series?
Start with the correct 650-18 size and bias-ply construction, since that is the primary fitment for the 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series. After that, the main selection points are sidewall appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the tire suits a restoration-oriented presentation or a more understated touring look.
A wide whitewall changes the visual character of the car much more than a blackwall, even though both share the same size and basic construction. It also helps to compare product details such as weight and load-related specifications where available, especially if the car will be driven regularly rather than displayed only occasionally.
What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series tires?
The available 650-18 tires for the 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. In this size, the wide whitewall option is a 3.50-inch whitewall, while the other Firestone Balloon choice keeps a plain blackwall appearance.
That choice is mostly about presentation rather than fitment, but it can make a major difference on a pre-war car. A blackwall gives a simpler, more restrained look, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal period-style presence, so the best match depends on how the vehicle is being restored and displayed.
What tire series are available for the 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series?
The available tires in the correct 650-18 size are part of the Firestone Balloon series. Both the blackwall and wide whitewall options fall within that same series, so the distinction is not between different families of tire but between appearance and related product details within the series.
That keeps the comparison fairly focused. Instead of choosing among several unrelated designs, the buyer can concentrate on whether the selected Firestone Balloon tire matches the desired sidewall treatment, wheel-width requirements, and overall look of the car while staying with the correct vintage numeric bias-ply size.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series?
A period-style starting point for a 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series is the correct 650-18 bias-ply size. That preserves the proper older tire format, tall sidewall profile, and visual relationship between the tire and the 18-inch wheel that suits an early-1930s restoration.
From there, the biggest appearance decision is usually blackwall versus wide whitewall. If exact historical presentation matters beyond general period style, it is worth comparing the car against marque references, restoration photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation so the sidewall treatment supports the kind of restoration being pursued.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series?
On a restored 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series, construction matters because a bias-ply tire carries the shape and visual character associated with the period. The 650-18 fitment here is a bias-ply tire, and that construction contributes to the tall, traditional look expected on a car of this age.
Appearance is not just about sidewall color; it also comes from the overall profile the tire presents on the wheel. Staying with the correct-style bias-ply format helps keep the car’s proportions believable, especially when paired with the right sidewall treatment and an 18-inch wheel that matches the intended restoration direction.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series?
Yes. Even when the correct primary size is 650-18, modifications can change how that tire works on a 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series. Wheel swaps, changes in rim width, suspension work, brake conversions, or body alterations can all affect whether the intended tire suits the car’s current setup.
That is especially important with older vehicles that may have passed through several owners and restorations. A careful check of wheel diameter, rim width, steering clearance, and fender clearance helps prevent surprises, and it is worth confirming that all four wheels match before mounting a full set of replacement tires.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and the condition of the car’s steering and suspension components along with the new tires themselves. Tire pressure should be set appropriately, and each tire should be checked for proper seating, visible damage, and any sign of air loss after installation.
A pre-war collector car also deserves a slow, careful first drive to confirm straight tracking, steering response, and adequate clearance during turning and suspension movement. It is smart to recheck inflation and look over the sidewalls again after the initial miles, since early road testing often reveals installation issues quickly.
How should 650-18 tires on a collector 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 650-18 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and loss of air pressure, even if the 1931 Reo 30 & 35 Series is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters as much as tread depth on an older vehicle.
Storage also plays a role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls, and periodic pressure checks are worthwhile during long inactive periods. A quick visual inspection before each drive is a sensible habit with any seldom-used collector automobile.
